"We are excited that Mike Alstott is back once again to kick off our sixth annual Hike for Hospice," said Linda Ward, Gulfside's president and CEO. "His support has been invaluable through the years. His involvement helps raise the awareness of not only the Hike for Hospice, but also all of Gulfside Regional Hospice."

The Hike for Hospice will be at a new location this year: Rasmussen College, 18600 Fernview St. (on State Road 54 between Suncoast Parkway and U.S. 41) in Land O'Lakes. Registration and check-in begins at 7 a.m. The Hike for Hospice includes both a 5K Run and 5K Walk. The 5K Run begins at 8 a.m., and the traditional 5K Walk starts at 9 a.m. After both events conclude, the top fundraisers and the fastest runners receive prizes.

To register for the Hike for Hospice, visit www.firstgiving.com/Hikeforhospice or call toll-free at 1-800-561-4883. Registration fees are $25 for adults, $15 for students (ages 11 to college) and $5 for children 10 and under. All hikers will receive a T-shirt, morning snack and beverages with their registration.

DOGS: The New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center will host a playful event on Nov. 4 for dogs and their owners at the annual Poochie Paddle. Dogs pay $5 each but there's no charge for the owner. Health codes prevent owners from joining their pets in the pool, but they can watch the fun all they want. Spectators can also come in and enjoy the furry frolic for $1 per person. Big dogs of 19 inches or greater come in for a swim from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and little dogs of less than 18 inches take the plunge from 2 to 3 p.m. Pets must have current tags along with proof of vaccinations. For information, contact the rec center at (727) 841-4560.

GOLF TOURNAMENTS GALORE: The arrival of fall weather brings these golf tournaments in the coming weeks:

• The Golfing for a Cure Tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life will be held Oct. 13 at the Abbey Course, 33640 State Road 52 in San Antonio. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. with the tournament starting at 8 a.m. A hamburger and hotdog lunch, along with awards, will follow at San Ann Restaurant's Outback, 32625 State Road 52, San Antonio. The tournament format is a four-person scramble. The registration fee is $40 per player and includes golf, cart, and lunch. Cash prizes will be awarded to first- through third-place teams. Registration forms are available at the Abbey Pro Shop or call (352) 588-2016 or (352) 588-4037 or email cjhedman@aol.com. All proceeds will benefit Relay For Life's grass roots effort to provide free services for cancer patients, as well as raise funds for cancer research.

• In-Reach Ministry Golf Invitational will start at 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at Wentworth Golf Club, 2990 Wentworth Way, Tarpon Springs. The four-person scramble, 18-hole tournament with prizes will raise money for the In-Reach Ministry of Lakewood Church of God and the Ransom Recovery drug addiction program. Cost is $69.99 per golfer due by Sunday. Includes luncheon. For information or to register, visit www.inreachministry.myevent.com.

• LifeChoices Women's Care will hold its second annual "Golf for Life" Charity Golf Tournament at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club in San Antonio. For $75 per golfer, participants will receive greens fees, free range balls, door prizes, golfer goodie bag, dinner, chances to win door prizes, contests and awards. All levels of golfers are welcome; handicaps are not necessary. For information about participating as a golfer or sponsor, visit www.LifeChoicesGolf.org or call (813) 948-7734 or contact Tom Beach at (813) 333-3543.

• Ridgewood High School will host its annual golf tournament on Oct. 28 at Meadow Oaks Golf Club. The 18-hole scramble format tournament will begin at 8 a.m. and will feature a steak dinner and complimentary beverages afterward. The cost is $60 and also includes a number of prizes and contests. For information, email Crissy Cooper at camartin@pasco.k12.fl.us.

To submit information on community sports events, contact David Rice at davidrice83@gmail.com.